St. Mary's Episcopal Church

Stone Harbor, New Jersey

All are welcome. Please join us!

Sunday Service - 10:00 am

Staying Connected

WELCOME HOME!

Worship with us:

Sunday Service Time: 10:00 am

in person and Live on Facebook

First Sunday after Pentecost: Trinity Sunday

We are now accepting donations via Venmo!

@StMarysStoneHarbor

http://www.venmo.com/u/StMarysStoneHarbor

Rector's Corner

Celebrating the Trinity: Embracing Unity in Our Faith Journey

As we gather to celebrate Trinity Sunday, we find ourselves standing at a unique juncture in the Christian calendar. Trinity Sunday, the first Sunday after Pentecost, is dedicated to honoring the Holy Trinity—the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Unlike other feasts that commemorate specific events or individuals, Trinity Sunday focuses on a profound and foundational doctrine of our faith.

The concept of the Trinity, though not explicitly named in Scripture, is rooted in biblical teachings such as Matthew 28:18-20 and 2 Corinthians 13:14. These passages, among others, reveal the intricate and interwoven relationship between the three distinct persons of the Godhead. The unity of the Trinity, symbolized by the single day of its celebration, serves as a powerful reminder of the essential unity and diversity within the God we worship.

Historically, Trinity Sunday has been observed in Western Christianity since the 14th century, following an edict by Pope John XXII. This tradition encourages us to pause and reflect on the Christian understanding of God, affirming core beliefs through our creeds. These beliefs emphasize the essential unity of God, the complete humanity and divinity of Jesus, and the divinity of the Holy Spirit.

Understanding these doctrines requires faith, nurtured by the Holy Spirit, which is why it is fitting that we celebrate this mystery right after Pentecost—the time when the Holy Spirit was poured out upon the early Church. The Nicene Creed, formulated in 325 AD, eloquently captures the essence of the Trinity, describing God as one in essence but distinct in person.

The Trinity reveals a dynamic God whose ultimate nature transcends human comprehension yet who willingly engages with the created world. This divine relationship exemplifies perfect love and unity, inviting us to reflect on how we embody these qualities in our own faith communities.

In today’s practice of faith, the doctrine of the Trinity calls us to embrace unity and diversity within our own lives and congregations. Just as the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are distinct yet united, we too are called to celebrate our unique gifts and perspectives while striving for communal harmony and love. The Trinity teaches us about relational living—how we can coexist, support, and uplift one another in our spiritual journeys.

Moreover, the Trinity emphasizes God’s intimate involvement in our redemption. The Son, Jesus Christ, became fully human to redeem humanity, showing us that God is not distant but deeply involved in our lives. This involvement inspires us to actively participate in the world, working towards justice, compassion, and reconciliation.

As we reflect on the mystery of the Trinity this Sunday, let us renew our commitment to living out these truths in our daily lives. Let us be a community that mirrors the unity and love of the Trinity, fostering relationships that are marked by understanding, support, and a shared commitment to the Gospel. In doing so, we honor the profound mystery of the Trinity and make its presence known in our world today.

In peace and faith,

Mo. Allison+

Prayer for Memorial Day (BCP 839)

O Judge of the nations, we remember before you with grateful hearts the men and women of our country who in the day of decision ventured much for the liberties we now enjoy. Grant that we may not rest until all the people of this land share the benefits of true freedom and gladly accept its disciplines. This we ask in the Name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Strawberry Fest May 26th!

Thank you to All of our Local merchants who donated so many beautiful items for Raffle and Silent Auction. The gifts this year are many and outstanding! Like a pair of Ray Ban Sunglasses from Shades, or a Corn Hole Game from Life is Good, Specialty Dog Treats from Salty Paws, Restaraunt Gift Certificates from All around Town and much, much more!

Come on by and take a chance on one or all of our beautiful baskets.

Join Us for the Annual Strawberry Festival at

St. Mary's! 🍓✨

Sweeten your evening with a dash of fun and community spirit at our Strawberry Fest on Sunday, May 26th, from 6:00-8:00 PM! . This is the event you won't want to miss—an evening filled with laughter, raffles, and delectable treats. Picture this: a warm, sunny lawn adorned with beautiful baskets, and inside, tables brimming with the sweetest delights.

We Need You! 🌟

🍰 Baked Goods:

Got a knack for baking? Share your talents by bringing cakes and baked goods to the church on Sunday morning or even on Saturday night. Your homemade treats will be the stars of the fest!

🎈 Set-Up Crew:

Be part of the magic! We need enthusiastic volunteers to help set up after church and prior to the event to transform our space into a festive wonderland.

🎟️ Serving and Raffle Tickets:

Help us keep the excitement going! We need cheerful hands to serve treats and sell raffle tickets. If you can assist, please arrive by 4:00 pm for Raffle sales and prep and servers may report at 5:30 PM.

🍓 Strawberry Prep:

Get ready to roll up your sleeves the day before the fest and help us prepare the star of the show—our fresh, juicy strawberries! Your help in cutting them up will make all the difference.

Let’s make this Strawberry Fest an unforgettable celebration of community and togetherness. Your participation and support are the ingredients to our success. See you there, ready to create sweet memories! 🍓✨

For more information and to RSVP, please contact

Lisa - Lisala0329@gmail.com or Dina - ziels@comcast.net

Episcopal Church unveils new Pride shield in celebration of LGBTQ+ inclusion

In affirmation and celebration of The Episcopal Church’s LGBTQ+ members, the Office of Communication is pleased to unveil a new Pride shield available online for churchwide use.Place article copy here. Be sure to make the articles short and concise as people tend not to read much more than a couple of paragraphs.

Are you seeking a deeper connection with our worship and community? Have you felt the call to serve in a meaningful way? We invite you to consider becoming an Acolyte and Eucharistic Minister.

Why Serve?

Spiritual Enrichment: As an Acolyte or Eucharistic Minister, you'll play a vital role in our worship services, helping to create a sacred and reverent atmosphere. This ministry offers a profound way to experience God's presence and grace.

Community Connection: Serving in these roles strengthens your bond with fellow parishioners and enhances your sense of belonging within our church family.

Personal Growth: Engaging in this ministry allows you to grow in faith, humility, and service. It's an opportunity to develop leadership skills and deepen your understanding of our liturgical traditions.

What Does the Role Involve?

Acolytes assist in the preparation and conduct of our worship services, lighting candles, carrying the cross, and helping with the altar.

Eucharistic Ministers assist in distributing the Holy Communion, sharing the body and blood of Christ with our congregation.

No prior experience is needed—just a heart willing to serve and a commitment to our church’s mission. Training will be provided to ensure you feel confident and supported in your new role.

How to Get Involved

If you are interested in joining this fulfilling ministry, please contact Mo. Allison. You can also sign up after Sunday services at the welcome table in the narthex.

We are excited to welcome new members to our team and to witness the many ways you will enrich our worship and community life.

Together, let us continue to serve God and one another with joy and devotion.

Recovery Ministry at St. Mary's

12 Step Meetings in the Church Hall

Monday 7:30 pm - Narcotics Anonymous (NA)

Tuesday 8:00 pm - Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)

(Tuesday, Alanon Summer Meetings start 5/28/24)

Tuesday 7:15 pm - Alanon Beginner's meeting in the Chapel

Tuesday 8:00 pm - Alanon meeting in the Chapel

Wednesday 7:00 pm Recovery Eucharist

June 26th, July 24th, August 28th

Thursday 7:00 pm - Big Book Meeting (AA)

(Friday Alanon Summer Meetings start 5/25/24)

Friday 10:00 am - Alanon

St. Barnabas Hoagie and Bake Sale

St. Barnabas Villas

annual Hoagie and Bake Sale

will be held this Saturday, May 25th

from 9 am to 1 pm.

Advance hoagie orders suggested. Call 609-425-4126 or 609-886-5960

Forward Day by Day

Read, Reflect, Respond, Pray - Forward Day by Day is an inspiring daily devotional to begin your day with.

The May, June, July issue is now available in the church narthex. Please help yourself to a copy and feel free to take one for a friend who may enjoy having it. If you would like us to mail a one to you, please let the church office know and we will be glad to send it.

Stewardship Minute

To All of our members and friends

What is Stewardship?

Stewardship is the responsible management and care of the resources that God has entrusted to us. It encompasses our time, talents, and treasures, recognizing that everything we have is a gift from God. As stewards, we are called to use these gifts wisely, generously, and joyfully to further God's work in the world.

Why is Stewardship Important?

Deepening Our Faith: Stewardship is a spiritual practice that helps us grow in faith. By giving back a portion of what we have received, we acknowledge God's sovereignty and express our gratitude for His blessings. This act of giving strengthens our relationship with God and deepens our trust in His provision.

Supporting Our Mission: At St. Mary's, our mission is to share the love of Christ, serve our community, and nurture spiritual growth. Your contributions enable us to offer meaningful worship services, provide pastoral care, support outreach programs, and maintain our beautiful church facilities. Every gift, no matter the size, makes a significant impact on our ability to fulfill this mission.

Building Community: Stewardship fosters a sense of belonging and partnership within our congregation. When we come together to share our resources, we create a vibrant and supportive community. Your generosity allows us to host fellowship events, educational programs, and other activities that strengthen our bonds and enrich our spiritual lives.

Extending Our Reach: Through your stewardship, St. Mary's can extend its reach beyond our church walls. We support local, national, and international initiatives that address critical needs, such as hunger relief, disaster response, and educational support. By giving to St. Mary's, you are part of a larger effort to make a positive difference in the world.

How You Can Get Involved

Pray: Begin with prayer, asking God to guide you in your stewardship journey. Seek God's wisdom in how you can best use your gifts to serve God's kingdom.

Give: Consider making a financial contribution to St. Mary's. Your regular tithes and offerings provide the foundation for our ministry. You can give online, or by mail or by collection plate.

Serve: Offer your time and talents by volunteering for one of our many ministries. Whether it's assisting with worship services, participating in outreach projects, or joining a committee, your involvement is invaluable.

Invite: Encourage others to join our church family. Share the good work that St. Mary's is doing and invite friends, family, and neighbors to experience our community and worship with us.

Thank you for your ongoing generosity and commitment to St. Mary's. Together, we can continue to grow in faith, serve our community, and make a lasting impact for Christ.

Some ways to support St. Mary's

Become a member
Volunteer
The Sunday collection plate
Send a check payable to St. Mary's to:

St. Mary's Episcopal Church,

9425 Third Ave., Stone Harbor, NJ 08247

(Your envelope and number is not necessary, only your name.)

Setting up a personal online banking "bill pay" option. The bank will mail the check for you to the church office.
Online giving through our website at https://www.stmarysstoneharbor.org/

Visit our Website

We have now joined Venmo! If you have Venmo, you can donate to the church - @StMarysStoneHarbor

http://www.venmo.com/u/StMarysStoneHarbor

Coffee Hour

Coffee Hour is held after service every Sunday in the parish hall. It is an opportunity to get together for relaxed conversation and fellowship over a cup of coffee. If you would like to provide a snack for coffee hour, please pick a Sunday and sign up. Nothing elaborate, just a small snack to enjoy with coffee. You can find the sign up sheet on the door to the kitchen. Thank you!